I’m not Unaware of your Sufferings, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked Nigerians to remain calm in the face of daunting challenges facing the country, saying he was not unaware of the suffering Nigerians are going through.

He insisted the challenges are only temporary.

In his New Year message to the nation, the President understands with Nigerians of the present pains the country is going through, saying the promises he made to Nigerians during his electioneering campaign will be jealously guarded.

The President said: “I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a number of significant hardships over the past months. Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings. I am aware of the lengthy queues at fuel stations and of the difficulties businesses have faced in acquiring foreign exchange. These challenges are only temporary, we are working to make things better.

“When I presented myself to you as a presidential candidate and asked you to vote for me, I wanted to be a leader who keeps his promises. I wanted to be a leader who restores the people’s hope in those elected to serve them. I wanted to be a leader who initiates positive and enduring CHANGE.

“I am still totally committed to being that kind of leader. Unforeseen circumstances and other distractions notwithstanding, I shall still do my utmost best to keep every promise I made to Nigerians during my election campaign.”

Buhari said since the inauguration on May 29, his administration has focused on laying the right foundation for the change that Nigerians voted for during the presidential election.

“Nigerians will in due course begin to enjoy the fruits of all ongoing work. The effective and efficient implementation of our 2016 budget proposals will address many of the socio-economic issues that are of current concern to our people.

“One area in which Nigerians, especially those in the northeast, have already begun to experience major change is in the war on terror”, he added.